Changing Times

Once upon a time,
So the legend goes,
A poor woman, Janet, was brought before a judge.
Where she admitted stealing ten dollars worth of bread.

She lived in a wealthy city
That had many poor .
James, the baker, had pressed charges
Believing his neighborhood was ripe with thieves.

James told the judge,
If Janet was not punished, others would follow.
While agreeing that punishment was called for.
The judge was reluctant to imprison the woman.

He addressed all in his courtroom.
‘If this woman is sent to jail
Her children will be wards of the state.
Instead I cite all in attendance, and fine them each fifty cent”.

“You and I are guilty of arrogance and indifference,
Though neither was committed with foresight.
That this woman, widowed and without resources
Should be faced with her choices, is a crime.

Janet was admonished by the judge for her crime.
He hoped that the the extra $49.50
She had received from the collection would help,
At least until she could get public assistance.

This story is perhaps apocryphal,
But could only be the product of a culture
That holds the poor as creations
Of a lesser god.